Baker Mayfield calls out Buccaneers after failed contract talks

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield said Thursday that he felt “disrespected” by the team during recent failed contract negotiations.

Mayfield set a self-imposed deadline of training camp to agree to a new deal with the team as he heads into the final year of his current three-year, $100 million agreement. Ultimately, the two sides were unable to come to an agreement, and Mayfield suggested Thursday that he felt the Buccaneers had simply not offered to pay him what he think he deserves.

Though he made clear that he still loves it in Tampa and wants to stay long-term, Mayfield said Thursday that he was disappointed that the Buccaneers were, in his mind, undervaluing him through their offers.

“I’m very, very thankful for the chance they gave me, do not get me wrong on that,” Mayfield said. “But I also know what I’ve brought to this franchise leadership-wise and even play-wise. It’s been some of the best years of my career and I think it’s only going to trend upwards. Disappointing in that regard to feel disrespected a little bit. That’s really the disappointing part, to feel undervalued after thinking you’ve earned it.

“I think I’m a franchise quarterback. I’ve been told I’m a franchise quarterback. It’s been said publicly from ownership down here. So to not have a deal done is very disappointing, but I said the deadline was the deadline, and I addressed the team to let them know I meant that.”